What it does: This order cancels a previous customs duty exemption (called a 'tariff concession') for specific mining equipment used to process ore.
Who it affects: Companies importing ore concentrate thickening and filtration plant — industrial machinery that includes pumps, thickeners, filtration presses, tanks, and motors used in mining operations.
The change: As of 27 July 2011, importers must pay customs duties on this equipment again. Previously, they could import it duty-free under Tariff Concession Order 0904682 (which applied from 11 February 2009).
Why it matters: This makes importing this specific machinery more expensive. The government typically revokes these concessions when Australian manufacturers start producing similar goods locally, removing the need to protect importers from duty costs.